This Midwestern City Is an Unexpected Destination for Art and Architecture

Amid its Victorian-era streetscapes, Columbus, Indiana—nicknamed the “Athens of the Prairie” for its remarkable modern architecture and public art—boasts an extraordinary collection of more than 60 buildings designed by globally renowned icons. Eero Saarinen, who designed the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; I.M. Pei, who designed the Louvre Pyramid in Paris; and Richard Meier, who designed the Getty Center in Los Angeles, all left a mark on this Midwestern city. Seven of the structures are designated as National Historic Landmarks.

Thanks to its compact size, Columbus is incredibly walkable, allowing visitors to discover an exceptional concentration of influential modern architecture without long distances between sites. Alongside its architecture, the city also has a vibrant art scene that includes works by Dale Chihuly, Henry Moore, and Jean Tinguely. This unexpected creative hub, just 45 miles south of Indianapolis, is the perfect stop for travelers seeking underrated cultural experiences. Here’s how to plan a trip.

Best Hotels & Resorts

The Inn at Irwin Gardens

Housed in a beautifully preserved Edwardian-era mansion built in 1864 and remodeled in 1910, The Inn at Irwin Gardens retains much of its original woodwork, period furniture, and imported European tiles, giving the property a distinct sense of history and character. “Outside, you’ll find a sunken garden inspired by a garden excavated at Pompeii,” says Erin Hawkins, director of strategic partnerships and communications at Columbus Area Visitors Center, referring to the property’s formal Italianate gardens, which has paths lined with wisteria-covered pergolas, fountains, sculptures, and a tea house. “It’s an enchanting place to sit with a glass of wine or morning coffee.” For non-guests interested in the gardens, free tours are offered every Tuesday and Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m., from May through October.

Hotel Indigo Columbus Architectural Center

Travelers with furry companions might consider the pet-friendly Hotel Indigo Columbus Architectural Center, conveniently located for exploring the city’s architecture and nearby attractions without a car. The hotel’s mid-century-modern-inspired aesthetic reflects the local design scene. “But what truly steals guests’ hearts is Tripp, the hotel’s beloved lobby ambassador, a fluffy bichon frisé who has become something of a local celebrity,” says Hawkins. “In the warmer months, Tripp even hosts Canines & Cocktails on the patio, where guests and locals gather with their pups to enjoy live music and a relaxed, social vibe.”

Best Things to Do

Take the Architectural Highlights Tour.

Take the two-hour Architectural Highlights Tour, which leaves from the Columbus Area Visitors Center, for an introduction to the city’s most prominent sites; there are more than 40 stops and two in-depth explorations of building interiors. If you prefer to explore on your own, Mary Kendrick, a guide who leads the Architectural Highlights Tour, recommends several structures that shouldn’t be missed.

“First Christian Church is seminal to the architectural program in Columbus,” she says of the city’s oldest National Historic Landmark. “The sheer scale of the complex, soaring heights of the sanctuary, and remarkable interior light invite one to feel the same awe that medieval cathedrals inspired in their time.”

The LEX, formerly the North Christian Church, is also a standout. “Its hexagonal design and lofty spire add to the astonishing array of towers and spires that mark the skyline of Columbus,” notes Kendrick.

Tour the Miller House and Garden.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s finest examples of mid-century modernism, the Miller House was completed in 1957. With the work credited to architect Eero Saarinen, interior designer Alexander Girard, and landscape architect Dan Kiley, the home emphasizes transparency and openness, with floor-to-ceiling glass, a flat roof, and clean lines. “The skylight system working with the steel cruciform pillars is a unique and stunning feature of the home, lighting the outer walls as well as interior spaces,” says Kendrick. “The sunken conversation pit of 15-foot sofas is likely a first example of this clever design element [used to] organize a home with an intimate space set within a larger space.”

Spot the Dale Chihuly installations.

Dale Chihuly, known for large, vibrant blown-glass sculptures that bend light and transform interiors into immersive art experiences, is one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary glass artists—and Columbus is home to three of his installations. At the Columbus Area Visitors Center, the Yellow Neon Chandelier, constructed from roughly 900 handblown elements in four shades of yellow, rises 9 feet tall and measures 6 feet wide, while the Persians, a series of handspun glass disks, fills the stairwell’s tall bay windows. Together, these installations read as one exuberant display. The Columbus Learning Center showcases Sun Garden Panels in Suspended Circle, a set of 32 plexiglass panels painted and signed by Chihuly, and arranged around a skylight so sunlight dances through the colors.

Admire the public art.

Public art in Columbus goes beyond Chihuly’s installations. Two standout pieces are Henry Moore’s Large Arch and Chaos I by Jean Tinguely. Large Arch, a soaring bronze curving monolith on Library Plaza, perfectly frames the First Christian Church across the street and invites visitors to walk beneath it. “It’s one of the city’s earliest and most iconic modern artworks,” says Hawkins. “Generations of local kids have lovingly nicknamed it ‘the dinosaur bone.’” Nearby, check out Chaos I at The Commons; it’s a mind-bending kinetic sculpture that comes alive with spinning parts, rhythmic clanks, and a chute that sends metal balls spiraling through the piece when fully activated.

Best Restaurants

Zaharakos

Founded in 1900, Zaharakos is a lovingly preserved slice of Americana where Mexican onyx soda fountains, a 50-foot mahogany backbar, stained glass, and a fully restored 1908 Welte orchestrion take you back in time. “Zaharakos still employs a team of classic ‘soda jerks’ who whip up sweet treats the old-fashioned way, which is a show in itself,” says Hawkins. “Part of the restaurant also functions as a soda fountain museum, where visitors can see the ornate craftsmanship behind these nearly extinct machines.” The menu focuses on old-fashioned classics and light fare, including ice cream sundaes, banana splits, milkshakes, malts, and floats.

Henry Social Club

Henry Social Club has a cinematic connection to Columbus: It’s where the cast of “Columbus,” the 2017 movie, dined during filming. The menu pairs thoughtfully made cocktails and local beer with a fine-dining approach that still feels laid-back. Expect dishes like steak, swordfish, lobster bisque, and comfort-driven small plates.

BlackSheep Pizza

BlackSheep Pizza serves up creative wood-fired pizzas and inventive small plates in a stylish, modern setting. The menu spans everything from simple classics, like the Rita with fresh mozzarella and basil, to more adventurous pies topped with sliced potato, parmesan sauce, truffle, and rosemary. “On weekend mornings, the ambience shifts into an easygoing vibe with a DJ spinning vinyl, great for a relaxed, boozy brunch,” says Hawkins.

Hog Molly Brewing Co.

With small-batch beers brewed on site and a relaxed taproom atmosphere, Hog Molly Brewing Co. is a local favorite that highlights Columbus’ brewing scene. The lineup includes many beers on tap, plus canned cider and wine by the glass or bottle, and there’s live music and various events throughout the year. “The brewery recently moved into a larger location that features an all-season patio with lawn games and space to enjoy live music,” says Hawkins.

Best Time to Visit

May’s mild weather makes it an easy time to explore gardens and take walking tours, while June through August brings a livelier rhythm to Columbus with community festivals, outdoor concerts, and a downtown farmers market.

For visitors interested in design and architecture, mid-August through November is the ideal window, thanks to Exhibit Columbus. Held every two years, this public art, architecture, and design program invites artists, architects, and designers to create “site-responsive” installations throughout downtown, sparking conversations about how design shapes public life. Exhibit Columbus typically kicks off with an opening weekend in mid-August, after which the installations remain on view through late November. Guided walking tours, curator talks, and other public programs add depth to the experience throughout the season.

How to Get There

For both domestic and international travelers, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the most convenient gateway to Columbus. It’s a major hub for flights from across the U.S. and sits about 55 miles north of Columbus, roughly an hour drive. Renting a car is the most flexible way to make the trip, but travelers can also use private shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft—all readily available at IND—for a direct ride to downtown Columbus.

How to Get Around

Public transit in Columbus is limited, with hourly bus service that ends around 8 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. on Saturdays; it does not operate on Sundays or major holidays. That said, downtown—home to many public art installations, restaurants, and the visitors center—is compact and easily walkable.

Having a car does make getting around easier, particularly for reaching attractions a bit further afield, like the Miller House. IND is the main hub for car rentals, with all major agencies on site, including Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis. Travelers who prefer to pick up a car in Columbus can do so through local Enterprise or Hertz offices, though vehicle availability is usually more limited.

Uber and Lyft both operate in Columbus, providing a simple and convenient way to reach multiple sites, especially beyond the downtown core.